A Histopathological Study of the Spectrum of Skin Lesions in a Tertiary Care Hospital: A Retrospective Study.

Background The skin is the largest organ of the body with many different functions. All age groups are affected by skin diseases, which are widespread in underdeveloped nations. From a straightforward vesicular non-neoplastic lesion to a catastrophic neoplastic lesion, skin disorders exhibit a wide variety of geographic patterns. To make an accurate diagnosis, identify etiological agents, and assist a dermatologist or clinician in selecting the best course of treatment, a skin biopsy must undergo histopathological analysis. The present study was conducted to investigate the histological diagnosis of skin lesions, establish the distribution by age and sex, identify the most prevalent skin lesions, and further subclassify the most prevalent condition. Methodology A retrospective, cross-sectional study was conducted in the Department of Pathology at Datta Meghe Medical College, Wanadongari, Nagpur over the course of a year. Hematoxylin and eosin were used to stain a total of 50 skin biopsy samples, with special stain when necessary, and then examined. Results The study involved a total of 50 patients, with 39 (78%) males and 11 (22%) females. With 16 (32%) cases in the 21-30-year age group, the early age group preponderance was recorded. Overall, 16 (32%) cases had microbial diseases, followed by eight (16%) cases with non-infectious vesicobullous diseases and vesicopustular disease, and five (10%) cases with non-infectious erythematous papular and squamous disease. In 12 (24%) cases, leprosy was the most prevalent microbiological disease. In five (10%) cases, pemphigus vulgaris was the most prevalent vesicobullous condition. Psoriasis, which was present in two (4%) cases, was the most common non-infectious erythematous papular and squamous disease. Squamous cell carcinoma, which was seen in seven (14%) cases, was the most prevalent neoplastic lesion. Conclusions In skin lesions, males outnumbered females. Patients in the younger age groups were most commonly involved. Leprosy and squamous cell carcinoma were, respectively, the most prevalent non-neoplastic and neoplastic skin lesions in our study.

Esophageal mycobiome landscape and interkingdom interactions in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma.

Background: The study purpose was to characterize the mycobiome and its associations with the expression of pathogenic genes in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). Methods: Patients with primary ESCC were recruited from two central hospitals. We performed internal transcribed spacer 1 (ITS1) ribosomal DNA sequencing analysis. We compared differential fungi and explored the ecology of fungi and the interaction of bacteria and fungi. Results: The mycobiota diversity was significantly different between tumors and tumor-adjacent samples. We further analysed the differences between the two groups, at the species level, confirming that Rhodotorula toruloides, Malassezia dermatis, Hanseniaspora lachancei, and Spegazzinia tessarthra were excessively colonized in the tumor samples, whereas Preussia persica, Fusarium solani, Nigrospora oryzae, Acremonium furcatum, Golovinomyces artemisiae, and Tausonia pullulans were significantly more abundant in tumor-adjacent samples. The fungal co-occurrence network in tumor-adjacent samples was larger and denser than that in tumors. Similarly, the more complex bacterial-fungal interactions in tumor-adjacent samples were also detected. The expression of mechanistic target of rapamycin kinase was positively correlated with the abundance of N. oryzae and T. pullulans in tumor-adjacent samples. In tumors, the expression of MET proto-oncogene, receptor tyrosine kinase (MET) had a negative correlation and a positive correlation with the abundance of R. toruloides and S. tessarthra, respectively. Conclusion: This study revealed the landscape of the esophageal mycobiome characterized by an altered fungal composition and bacterial and fungal ecology in ESCC.

The association between skin cancer and HIV infection.

Background People affected by Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), are burdened by a higher risk of developing malignancies including non-melanoma skin cancer (NMSC) and melanoma skin cancer. Objective To evaluate the association of HIV with melanoma and NMSC at a University Hospital. Methods This is a cross-sectional retrospective study of HIV-infected and a matched comparison group, analyzing the associations between skin cancer and HIV infection. Results Compared to the HIV-uninfected, HIV-infected had 80% association with skin cancer (CI 95%: 1.3-2.4, P = 0.001) The risk was 45-fold higher by patients" age (CI 95%: 3.3-15.9: P = 0.001). When adjusted for patient age, sex and race, the risk was 6.4 fold ligher of having cancer if compared to the others (CI 95%: 49-84, P = 0.001). Melanoma was not found in HIV-infected. Conclusion With this study, we have demonstrated that HIV-infected patients have an increased risk of BCC and SCC. Preventive dermatologic management is pivotal in the care of immunosuppressed patients. These patients must undergo the dermatological examination annually and should receive extensive counseling regarding sun avoidance, use of sunscreens,and sun-protective clothing.

Jorge Lobo's disease with malignant degeneration to squamous cell carcinoma: case report

Abstract Jorge Lobo's disease (JLD) is a chronic, granulomatous fungal infection caused by the traumatic implantation of the fungus Lacazia loboi in the cutaneous and subcutaneous tissues, with the presence of isolated nodular and coalescent keloidal lesions. Malignant degeneration is rare. This case report describes a 64-year-old male patient with JLD for 30-years who showed a change in the aspect of a lesion in the left lower limb. Histopathological examination confirmed the progression to well-differentiated squamous cell carcinoma (SSC). JLD is highly prevalent in tropical and subtropical regions, requiring monitoring concerning the transformation into SSC in long-term lesions.

Jorge Lobo's disease with malignant degeneration to squamous cell carcinoma: case report.

Jorge Lobo's disease (JLD) is a chronic, granulomatous fungal infection caused by the traumatic implantation of the fungus Lacazia loboi in the cutaneous and subcutaneous tissues, with the presence of isolated nodular and coalescent keloidal lesions. Malignant degeneration is rare. This case report describes a 64-year-old male patient with JLD for 30-years who showed a change in the aspect of a lesion in the left lower limb. Histopathological examination confirmed the progression to well-differentiated squamous cell carcinoma (SSC). JLD is highly prevalent in tropical and subtropical regions, requiring monitoring concerning the transformation into SSC in long-term lesions.

Lobomycosis: exuberant presentation with malignant transformation

Abstract Lobomycosis is a chronic granulomatous infection caused by the yeast Lacazia loboi, typically found in tropical and subtropical geographical areas. Transmission occurs through traumatic inoculation into the skin, especially in exposed areas, of men who work in contact with the soil. Lesions are restricted to the skin and subcutaneous tissue, with a keloid-like appearance in most cases. The occurrence of squamous cell carcinoma on skin lesions with a long evolution is well known; however, there are scarce reports of lobomycosis that developed into squamous cell carcinoma. The authors report a patient from the Brazilian Amazon region, with lobomycosis and carcinomatous degeneration, with an unfavorable outcome, due to late diagnosis.

Lobomycosis: exuberant presentation with malignant transformation.

Lobomycosis is a chronic granulomatous infection caused by the yeast Lacazia loboi, typically found in tropical and subtropical geographical areas. Transmission occurs through traumatic inoculation into the skin, especially in exposed areas, of men who work in contact with the soil. Lesions are restricted to the skin and subcutaneous tissue, with a keloid-like appearance in most cases. The occurrence of squamous cell carcinoma on skin lesions with a long evolution is well known; however, there are scarce reports of lobomycosis that developed into squamous cell carcinoma. The authors report a patient from the Brazilian Amazon region, with lobomycosis and carcinomatous degeneration, with an unfavorable outcome, due to late diagnosis.

Leucoplasia Verrucosa Proliferativa: Revisão da Literatura com Ênfase no Diagnóstico, Manejo e Tratamento / Proliferative Verrucous Leukoplakia: Literature Review With Emphasis on Diagnosis, Manegement and Treatment

As Desordens Potencialmente Malignas Orais (DPMO) descrevem um grupo de doenças com risco aumentado de desenvolver o Carcinoma Espinocelular (CEC), e a mais comum é a Leucoplasia Oral (LO), que apresenta uma variante agressiva denominada Leucoplasia Verrucosa Proliferativa (LVP). Descrita pela primeira vez em 1985 por Hansen et al., a LVP é considerada uma forma multifocal incomum da doença, com curso clínico agressivo e implacável para malignidade, sem associação com os fatores de risco tradicionais da LO. O diagnóstico e manejo dessa variante é um desafio, pois, além da ausência de biomarcadores comprovados que possam predizer seu curso evolutivo, a subjetividade existente na sua avaliação clínica e histopatológica, faz com que a presença ou grau de Displasia Epitelial Oral (DEO) não consiga determinar se haverá ou não transformação maligna da lesão. O objetivo desse trabalho foi realizar uma Revisão da Literatura Tradicional, focando especificamente nos aspectos sobre diagnóstico, transformação maligna, manejo e tratamento da LVP, variante agressiva da LO. Concluímos que, ainda hoje, não existem biomarcadores que possam predizer o avanço das LO, tornando-se obrigatório o acompanhamento e/ou tratamento de toda e qualquer LO, inclusive os casos de Queratose de significado incerto.

Oral Potentially Malignant Disorders (OPMDs) describe a group of diseases at increased risk of leading to Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC). The most common is Oral Leukoplakia (OL), which presents itself through an aggressive variant known as Proliferative Verrucous Leukoplakia (PVL). First described in 1985 by Hansen et al., PVL is considered an uncommon multifocal form of the disease, with an aggressive and relentless clinical course towards malignancy, and lacks association with traditional OL risk factors. The diagnosis and management of this disease form posits a significant challenge since, in addition to the absence of proven biomarkers that can predict its evolutionary course, the subjectivity existing in its clinical and histopathological evaluation means that the presence or degree of Oral Epithelial Dysplasia (OED) is not enough to determine whether or not the lesion will undergo a malignant transformation. The objective of this work was to carry out a Traditional Literature Review focused specifically on aspects of diagnosis, malignant transformation, management and treatment of PVL, an aggressive variant of OL. Our conclusion is that, to this day, there are no biomarkers able to predict the progress of OL, making it necessary to monitor and/or treat all OL cases, including cases of Keratosis of unknown significance.

Expression of pigment epithelium-derived factor in psoriasis, verrucae, squamous cell carcinoma and normal skin: An immunohistochemical study.

BACKGROUND: Preservation of homeostasis status in the skin needs an equilibrium of keratinocyte proliferation, differentiation, necrosis and apoptosis. Disturbance of these regulatory mechanisms may lead to keratinocyte neoplastic and hyperproliferative diseases. Pigment epithelium-derived factor is a glycoprotein that is endogenously produced in different tissues and has a variety of biological effects in different diseases. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the keratinocyte expression of pigment epithelium-derived factor in normal skin and three epidermal hyperproliferative diseases, namely, psoriasis, verrucae and squamous cell carcinoma. METHODS: This study included skin biopsy samples from 80 participants who were divided into four equal groups; each containing 20 samples. The first group included skin biopsies from normal skin, the second group from psoriatic lesions, the third group from verruca vulgaris and the fourth group from squamous cell carcinoma. All tissue samples were stained with hematoxylin and eosin stain and later immunohistochemically for pigment epithelium-derived factor expression. RESULTS: Scores of pigment epithelium-derived factor expression were lower in squamous cell carcinoma and verruca and psoriasis than normal skin with a significant difference (P = 0.04). In addition, the pattern of pigment epithelium-derived factor expression was mainly cytoplasmic in normal skin with a significant difference with that seen in psoriasis, squamous cell carcinoma and verruca vulgaris (P = 0.001). CONCLUSION: Pigment epithelium-derived factor may play a role in keratinocyte differentiation.

Histopathological analysis of the cutaneous changes due to kangri use in kashmiri population: a hospital based study.

BACKGROUND: Kangri cancer is peculiar to the valley of Kashmir as people of all age groups are accustomed to warm their bodies by the use of Kangri baskets. The clinical spectrum of skin cancer in the Kashmir valley is entirely different from the rest of the country, which could be attributed to the use of Kangri in this geographical region.[12]. AIMS: Histopathological analysis of the cutaneous changes due to kangri use in Kashmiri population. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This is a prospective hospital based study. All the patients attending the outpatient department of Dermatology, STD and Leprosy at SMHS Hospital, an associated hospital of govt. medical college in Srinagar and presented with suspicious lesions (i.e., erythema ab igne, papular or nodular skin growths) due to Kangri use were taken up for the study. A detailed history including the use of Kangri and a physical examination was done in each patient followed by a histopathological examination in case of suspicious lesions. RESULTS: The cutaneous changes which were observed during the study period of 8 months were erythema ab igne, bowen's disease and squamous cell carcinoma. CONCLUSION: Although this is a preliminary study we will be studying more of such changes caused due to Kangri use in the future.

Lobomycosis and squamous cell carcinoma / Lobomicose e carcinoma espinocelular

The occurence of squamous cell carcinoma on long-lasting ulcers is classic. Malignant transformation may occur on burn scars and chronic ulcers of varying etiology, including infectious agents. Transformation of old lobomycosis lesion scars into squamous cell carcinoma has been rarely reported. Careful and long-term follow-up of such patients is important to avoid carcinomatous transformation.

A ocorrência de carcinoma espinocelular sobre lesões cutâneas de longa evolução é clássica em cicatrizes de queimadura e úlceras crônicas de etiologia variada, inclusive infecciosa. Na literatura, são raros os casos de pacientes com lobomicose de longa evolução que desenvolveram CEC. O seguimento cuidadoso desses pacientes é importante, pois, nas áreas de traumas, ulcerações e cicatrizes crônicas pode ocorrer degeneração carcinomatosa. .

Sistema nervoso periférico e pressupostos da agressão neural na hanseníase / Peripheral nervous system and grounds for the neural insult in leprosy

O mecanismo de interação entre o Mycobacterium leprae e as células neurais não está esclarecido até o momento. Não há interpretação satisfatória do tropismo da bactéria ao sistema nervoso periférico, em particular. O presente estudo é uma revisão da microfisiologia da estrutura do aparelho extracelular, ligado às células de Schwann, assim como a descrição das unidades morfológicas, provavelmente envolvidas no processo de ligação à parede celular da bactéria.

The mechanism of interaction between Mycobacterium leprae and neural cells has not been elucidated so far. No satisfactory interpretation exists as to the bacterium tropism to the peripheral nervous system in particular. The present study is a review of the micro-physiology of the extracellular apparatus attached to Schwann cells, as well as on the description of morphological units probably involved in the process of the binding to the bacterial wall.

Fase 1 do estudo da aplicação da vacina de DNA HSP 65 (Heat Shock Protein) do Mycobacterium leprae no tratamento de formas avançadas de carcinomas epidermóide de cabeça e pescoço / Gene therapy of advanced-stage head and neck squamous cell carcinoma with Mycobacterium leprae heat shock protein 65 DNA: a phase 1 study

O objetivo deste estudo foi descrever e mapear a toxicidade local e sistêmica da aplicação da vacina de DNA HSP 65 do Mycobacterium leprae em pacientes com formas avançadas de carcinoma epidermóide de cabeça e pescoço e definir qual a dose máxima tolerada. Trata-se de um estudo prospectivo, randomizado, aberto, sem grupo controle, de fase 1, com utilização de uma nova vacina para o tratamento de dezoito pacientes com carcinoma epidermóide avançado de cabeça e pescoço, sem opção terapêutica curativa, índice de Karnofsky maior que 70%, sem outra doença sistêmica grave. Propôs-se 3 grupos de 6 indivíduos, cada grupo recebendo diferente dose da vacina, respectivamente 150ug; 600ug e 1200ug por dose. A administração desta foi feita em 3 injeções com intervalo de 21 dias. Durante 90 dias os pacientes eram rigorosamente avaliados clinico e laboratorialmente quanto à ocorrência de eventos adversos (EA). A pesquisa de EA foi baseada no Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (CTCAE) elaborado pelo National Cancer Institute (NCI). No primeiro grupo (150ug) um paciente morreu por sangramento abundante de úlcera tumoral antes do fim do protocolo. Todos os pacientes referiram aumento da dor; três tiveram maior edema e dois piora da astenia; três tiveram infecções de pele e/ou tecido subcutâneo da cabeça e pescoço e um infecção do trato respiratório superior. No 2º grupo (600ug) três pacientes faleceram antes dos 90 dias de protocolo por causas não relacionadas ao tratamento, descritas a seguir: complicações de gastrostomia, rápida progressão tumoral e hemorragia fatal e carcinomatose pulmonar. Neste grupo um paciente não teve EA; cinco tiveram piora da dor; quatro aumento do edema; dois maior astenia; três celulite de face e dois apresentaram sinusite aguda. Como neste grupo observou-se toxicidade classificada como relacionada ao tratamento graus 3 e 4 em mais de um terço dos pacientes decidiu-se escalonar para baixo a dose no 3º grupo para 400ug. No último grupo...

This study goal was to describe and graduate the local and systemic toxicity of intratumoral injections of HSP (Heat Shock Protein) 65 DNA vaccine in advanced-stage head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (SCCHN) patients and to define the highest well tolerated dose for them. This is a prospective, non-randomized, uncontrolled, phase 1 study, using a new vaccine to treat eighteen patients with advanced-stage SCCHN patients without any option for curative treatment, Karnofsky performance status greater than 70% and no organ failure. The patients were divided into 3 groups of 6 patients each one, receiving different vaccine doses, 150ug; 600ug e 1200ug per dose, respectively. They received three injections with a 21 days interval. The patients were rigorously evaluated into their clinical and laboratory aspects looking for adverse events (AE) during 90 days. Toxic effects were monitored according to National Cancer Institute Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (CTCAE). In the first group (150ug) one patient died due to an ulcerate lesion extensive bleeding before the protocol end. All the patients referred pain increase; tree had greater edema; two had strong fatigue; tree presented with cutaneous infections of head and neck and one with an acute sinusitis. In the second group (600ug) three patients died before the 90th day protocol, all considered unrelated to treatment, following described: gastrostomy complications, a fatal bleeding after rapid progression of the tumor and pulmonary carcinomatosis. In this group one patient didn't have adverse events; five had pain worsening; four had increase of edema; two had greater fatigue; tree had facial cellulitis and two had acute sinusitis. Due to grade 3 and 4 adverse events occurred in more than one third of patients of this group we decided to lower the dose of the third group to 400ug. In the last group three patients also died before protocol completion, all due to cancer progression...